Netflix will charge more for Blu-ray

Not a big surprise. I wonder how much of a "premium" they're going to charge for bluray discs. Hopefully it's nothing ridiculous.

No more price breaks now that the format war is over. Just glad it hasn't hit retail disks yet. I'd hate to see blu-ray discs get as expensive as some laserdiscs were.

This is the side effect of no competition. Sony must be really happy that the format war is over.

Yet another reason I have Blockbuster online instead of Netflix. They still rent HDDVD and now they are better on price for Blu-ray. Plus being able to swap in store is a nice perk too.

Welcome to the Blu world!

It is nice to know that we have an option and there isn’t a single player controlling the rental market. In this case, if we don’t like the price changes that Netflix made, we can choose to go to Blockbuster for a better deal or service.

[Post edited by PerfectBlue on Apr 22, 2008]

Kinda disappointing, but as long as the increase is reasonable I suppose I can understand the business rationale behind it. It will be interesting to see what Blockbuster does. I have tried their service a couple times just to compare and so far I do prefer Netflix but if the cost starts creeping up and Blockbuster does not charge a premium for Blu-Ray it might be worth revisiting.

Do you honestly think Blockbuster will not follow up with an increase of their own?

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Kinda disappointing, but as long as the increase is reasonable I suppose I can understand the business rationale behind it. It will be interesting to see what Blockbuster does. I have tried their service a couple times just to compare and so far I do prefer Netflix but if the cost starts creeping up and Blockbuster does not charge a premium for Blu-Ray it might be worth revisiting.

same here, from time to time i dont use the store xchange, so the 3 at a time netflix works better for me for 16 bux. if it goes too high, im going back to the blockbusta

Well, I'll wait to see how much the Premium is before... deciding not to get Blu-Rays from Netflix.

I've already bitched and moaned to Netflix, via their E-mail Customer Suggestions. Basically, why float the idea of a price increase for high def media when there are no specifics to the plan to announce? Is it to gauge reaction? If so, here's the reaction I see: people take the BD's out of their queue's or, worst case, stop their subscriptions in favor of Blockbuster or buying the movies.

Now, with Netflix making money hand over fist and Blockbuster hemorrhaging money and subscribers, this could swing-at least partially-the balance back to Blockbuster. I'll wait to see what the details of the increase are before I make my decision. One thing I know for sure: if I had eight less movies to watch a month, I guarantee the BF would be happier.

Jason, suspicious

Guess I won't be renting Blu-rays from Netflix then.

I'm starting to think that I should have stuck with regular DVD.

starting to feel and lean that way myself. Hitman was the last HD movie I bought. Everything else has been HD. I Just dont care. I can rent them. Now they're trying to hit me there, too. Considering BluRay costs maybe $10 more than SD, I'm having an issue justifying the price increase.

Boy, this will surely help get that adoption rate up.

Makes me kinda warm and fuzzy in knowing that I do not have to use Netflix

im sure it has something to do with all the stolen blu discs i been seeying in my area, some are still in their netflix sleeve. lol

i dont get how they do it, cause if they keep em, your account gets put on hold right? so they must be taking them either from peoples mailboxes, or what??? hmmm.. and i've seen bulks of them for sale.

Well, you know who's probably behind this greedy tactic?



But don't worry, you'll get that extra IRS check in May to help cover the extra cost.



[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 22, 2008]

Just As I thought....................
First drop HD-DVD and start hitting the smaller guys ............. US.
Is blockbuster better and cheaper ? and for how long ?
I will discontinue my acct with Nexflix pronto if this is the case.

I think I'll go to Amazon and just pick some HD-DVD TITLES AND read dvdtown and highdefdigest's reviews when a new movie comes out on blue-ray.

I like Netflix service but depending on the pricing I will discontinue.
Damn kinda wish we still had a format war going on......

who honestly didnt see this coming ?

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Is blockbuster better and cheaper ?

Shhhh, we don't want to wake Jimi Love. A question like that will just get you the longest post known to man. Yes, I'm talking about the mother load of posts, the post from HELL . . . . The SPEW SALAD!!!!

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 22, 2008]

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Netflix will charge more for Blu-ray

This convinces me further...

I am glad I canceled my Netflix account.

Logistically this move by Netflix would not make sense.

If BD Durabis Coating is far more scratch resistant than DVD, there would be less damage from handling by customers and that evil USPS sorting equipment.

The discs would last probably 3-4 times longer, and thus save them money over DVD.

If enough people cancel, maybe they will get the message, but I would expect that BD rentals amount for less than 3% of their business, so maybe they won't notice, even if every BD customer canceled.

They are still renting HD DVD's, and I wonder how much longer that will be happening, and if it also will result in a higher monthly fee...

If they charge as much as $2 to $4 more per month, you Americans are screwed!

Thank goodness for Zip.ca!

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If they charge as much as $2 to $4 more per month, you Americans are screwed!

Thank goodness for Zip.ca!

Don't say that too loud...someone from zip.ca might be reading

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im sure it has something to do with all the stolen blu discs i been seeying in my area, some are still in their netflix sleeve. lol

i dont get how they do it, cause if they keep em, your account gets put on hold right? so they must be taking them either from peoples mailboxes, or what??? hmmm.. and i've seen bulks of them for sale.

Actually no, Netflix requires a credit card, like Blockbuster, but if you don't return the movie you will lose a slot in your rental selections, if you report it as lost or missing, you are charged for it, if you report it as damaged, they require it to be sent back, and if you just cancel your account you either return it within 7 days or get billed for it, as for stolen movies they may give you a grace for the first few, but after that they'll probably lock your account down because it is evident that there is a problem with the address. As long as you have a rental spot open they will continue to ship movies to you.

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if you report it as lost or missing, you are charged for it,

What kind of service is that? What if you mailed it back but they never receive it? Such things do happen. And Netflix charges you for the disk?

BTW, I reported yet another HD DVD scratched disk that wouldn't play a couple weeks back, and because I've reported over 3 in as many months, Zip.ca sent me this email:

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We strive for the highest standards of quality in serving our members, and our rentals run at over 99% damage-free. However, this high quality standard has unfortunately not been your experience, and to make partial amends for your inconvenience, we have credited service on your account by one month completely at our expense. View your Membership Details to confirm your updated billing date.

Thank you for your patience and for taking the time to report the damages on the discs you have received

Sweet.

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What kind of service is that? What if you mailed it back but they never receive it? Such things do happen. And Netflix charges you for the disk?

BTW, I reported yet another HD DVD scratched disk that wouldn't play a couple weeks back, and because I've reported over 3 in as many months, Zip.ca sent me this email:

I didn't mean by in the mail, I think that gets treated like stolen, I mean you report it as YOU lost it, meaning you didn't send it back.

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BTW, I reported yet another HD DVD scratched disk that wouldn't play a couple weeks back

I have sent a few back that were seemingly intentionally damaged, it looked like Zorro with a box cutter cut a "Z" across the face of the disc, and I realized before trying to play the disc that it was going to be a problem.

They never offered a credit, but never complained about the return of multiple damaged discs either.

The mailers were intact and undamaged, so what almost looked like intentional sabotage, was followed up with an apology email, and a replacement disc was sent without question.

I somehow ended on both of their HD Disc lists, and am able to queue up Blu Ray and HD DVD titles at will, (depending upon availability of course).

Well, it depends on the price increase... BUT this move by Netflix may cause me to lower my rental plan with them of "3 out at a time" unlimited-rentals monthly ($17.00 per month) to just only 1 out at a time unlimited rentals ($9 per month, or almost half price).



My main renting (as Tim Raynor here proudly knows ) is thru my Blockbuster TOTAL ACCESS membership - "3 out at a time" unlimited rentals monthly ($20.00 per month), -AND- with the BONUS FREE IN-STORE rentals (UNLIMITED) when returning the online discs to the local store, who mine just recently added Blu-ray titles (about 50 so far). Last night I returned one of my online rentals to the local store, and walked out with a free rental of SUPERBAD on Blu-ray.

And as a founding member of the TOTAL ACCESS membership (and having never changed my monthly plan), Blockbuster allows UNLIMITED FREE IN-STORE RENTALS when returning the online discs (instead of mailing). Other memberships have a monthly limit of these "free" in-store rentals, but not me. And their computer instantly notifies the local Houston service center of my next online queue movie (to mail immediately).

Note: PLUS, every month, Blockbuster provides an online coupon to print out for yet another EXTRA free movie or video game rental on top of all of the above!!




So.... IF Netflix is going to raise their prices (and I don't use them as much as Blockbuster TA), looks like I'll be lowering the cost of my membership with them to the $9 unlimited 1-out-at-a-time plan. SERVES THEM RIGHT, since often the Blu-ray discs in my Netflix queue will say "Long Wait", "Very Long Wait", "Short wait", etc.... this is disappointing when wanting a new release(s) right away, but I can live with it as long as I get them within a few weeks, as I have my Blockbuster rentals to keep me occupied (and they are better at supplying copies of new releases in my area).

And Netflix has a habit of mailing the discs sometimes from various warehouses outside of Houston, such as Austin, El Paso, and even out of state (New York!). Yet ALL of my Blockbuster discs arrive immediately from the local Houston service center.




-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Apr 22, 2008]

If Osama Bin Laden gave you a really great deal on a used car, would you let him have your money?

Then why let Blockbuster get one red cent from you? They are evil incarnate.

I really hope they buyout Circuit City, so that two of America's worst companies can merge into one.

Now Chris... I've been with Blockbuster for several years now, and trust me, their DVD rental service is just as good (if not better) as Netflix has been. But unlike Netflix, Blockbuster has the TOTAL ACCESS part(!), and also th local store/free movie exchanges, see. (read my post again above for details)

And they don't use the THROTTLING tactic in supplying customers with discs, like Netflix has been known to be doing for years now!

"Evil Incarnate" - ?

Um kay...



-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Apr 23, 2008]

You can rent from the censor-kings of America if you want.

I wouldn't piss on a Blockbuster if it was on fire.

Have I said that before? If so, it needs saying again.

Chris,

Keep preaching, brother. I have been anti-Blockbuster for as long as I can remember. Forcing fullscreen movies onto people, shoddy selection in stores and $4 for a rental...sorry, not my cup of tea.

Hendrix,

I love you dude, but with my one at a time Netflix plan, I get roughly 8-9 movies per month. This month will be slightly less because of vacation. There is a distribution facility less than 2 hours away from me. Movie put into the mail on Monday gets checked in on Tuesday, new one sent for Thursday. I've never had a problem with them...and I can watch stuff online, too. In fact, I just got my sister a gift subscription to Netflix for her birthday.

Jason, Netflix aficiondao

Chris, Jason, let's get the facts clear...

Blockbuster does carry the widescreen versions (both in-store and online). In the past, they would opt occasionally for full-screen versions, but now both types are either included on the disc, or the company offers the WIDESCREEN only. Remember, I know this, and you guys don't (obviously) since you both admit to not being one of their customers.

As for 'censoring', for some titles (VERY FEW), the in-store Blockbuster edition is the 'Rated R' version - but ONLINE (just like Netflix), the company offers the 'unrated' edition. For example, I noticed this with the recent release of a film called Lust, Caution (directed by respected director Ang Lee). The local in-store is the edited 'R' version (provided by the studio), but you can have the 'unrated' edition sent from your online queue.

I like Netflix too, but I love Blockbuster, which is better because of brilliant TOTAL ACCESS membership plan. As for the forthcoming Netflix price increase, it's no doubt related to Blockbuster's price increase in early January (from $17.99 to $19.99 on the popular "3 out at a time" plan), as well as the upcoming (next month) US Postal Service RATE INCREASE, and the fact that with everything going up in price, the market can bear it.

But Neflix will suffer some 'churning' (losing customers), and I myself will probably lower my monthly rental membership down to their cheapest unlimited plan (like Jason has). Makes sense to do, since Blockbuster TA occupies more of my rentals these days - both online and the FREE in-store rentals (from my exchanges).

-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

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Chris, Jason, let's get the facts clear...

Since you want to talk facts...

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In the past, they would opt occasionally for full-screen versions, but now both types are either included on the disc, or the company offers the WIDESCREEN only. Remember, I know this, and you guys don't (obviously) since you both admit to not being one of their customers.

When I went into the stores years and years ago, this was the case. Since then, I have no REASON to go into the store. Period. Once you lose me as a customer, you lose me forever.

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As for 'censoring', for some titles (VERY FEW), the in-store Blockbuster edition is the 'Rated R' version - but ONLINE (just like Netflix), the company offers the 'unrated' edition. For example, I noticed this with the recent release of a film called Lust, Caution (directed by respected director Ang Lee). The local in-store is the edited 'R' version (provided by the studio), but you can have the 'unrated' edition sent from your online queue.

Again, as of my college days-last experience-ending in mid-2001, Blockbuster did not. Maybe it was the local store in East Lansing, maybe not. Regardless, see my comments regarding the full/wide aspect ratios.

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As for the forthcoming Netflix price increase, it's no doubt related to Blockbuster's price increase in early January (from $17.99 to $19.99 on the popular "3 out at a time" plan), as well as the upcoming (next month) US Postal Service RATE INCREASE, and the fact that with everything going up in price, the market can bear it.

I've thought about this a lot the last day or so. Until I actually see the price increase, I won't believe it. Why? Within the confines of the information we received, there were no specifics, except a general "later this year." I'm thinking this was a test balloon to gauge what consumers thought.

As with the Post Office Rate Increase, isn't it just a penny?

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But Neflix will suffer some 'churning' (losing customers), and I myself will probably lower my monthly rental membership down to their cheapest unlimited plan (like Jason has). Makes sense to do, since Blockbuster TA occupies more of my rentals these days - both online and the FREE in-store rentals (from my exchanges).

My friend, nothing is free. Even though you pay nothing when you do the return/new movie in the store, it is factored into the price of the membership.

Sidenote: Blockbuster trying to buy Circuit City is regarded as a stupid move by most analysts. What do you think is going to happen if it goes through? One miserable company eaten up by another miserable company. Remember Blockbuster has new management, cut its Online advertising budget drastically, and lost lots of marketshare to Netflix. If the buyout goes through, neither company will be left standing in three years.

Jason, keep trying to persuade me

Jason... thanks for confirming that you personally weren't up to date (per your decision from 2001) on Blockbuster's movie edition info (R/Unrated, and Full/Widescreen). Things do CHANGE for the better (makes sense right?), and so might you consider 'coming back to the fold' and become TA member(?)... perhaps.

As for postal increase, the first class is going up only a penny, but usually the other mail services/rates see increases too. So that's why I mentioned it. Still, it could just be related to 'market conditions', since prices for most things are going up.

Jason said -

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"My friend, nothing is free. Even though you pay nothing when you do the return/new movie in the store, it is factored into the price of the membership."

Yes, I know this, and pointed it out in my lengthy post on page 3. Summary - because of the TA popularity among some members (for those in-store FREE rental exchanges), today the company does put a limit (for some members) on how many 'freebies' you can have every month from the local store. However, they specifically omitted the founding TA members (like myself) who never have changed their membership plan. So, to date, I can get as many freebies in-store every month (exchanges), as they continue to allow this. The only change was a small $2.00 price in membership (to all members) that was done in early January.

Note: I have heard that both Blockbuster and Netflix have occasionally cancelled memberships from some members who may abuse their services (reporting 'lost' discs too often, extremely heavy renters-?, etc), but I consider my online/in-store rentals to be just a little above average, and not excessive, nor costing the company more than the $20 they charge me every month. Also, I usually buy COCA-COLA from the normal in-store promotion of "two 2-liters for $3" about every other trip, so as to give them some additional revenue. And occasionally I've purchase a used (or previously viewed) disc.

-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

Hendrix,

I'm entirely too tired to deal with this more tonight. You're right: I'm not entirely up to date with Blockbuster. As I already mentioned, the reason is they screwed me as a consumer years ago. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Coming from the guy who would gladly vote for a de facto third Bush term, I'm hardly surprised you like being over the barrel so much, screaming for more.

Dude, Chris and I have no love for Blockbuster. You do. I respect that, as I'm sure Chris does. I have no interest in going BACK to the Evil Empire when I get 8-9 movies a month from Netflix, excluding what I can watch online. Not to mention all the review discs I get sitting on the doorstep, in addition to the theatrical's I see basically every week and the movies I record off of TCM and buy. It's a struggle to keep up with that some days. Why would I ask for more if I can help it? I'm happy with Netflix, this BD premium notwithstanding.

Know what? Once the premium is announced, lets do a comparison for the same number of movies on a monthly basis and see which one is cheaper, okay? Until then, this is a circular argument with no hope of resolution.

Jason, testy, tired and ornery

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You can rent from the censor-kings of America if you want.

I wouldn't piss on a Blockbuster if it was on fire.

Have I said that before? If so, it needs saying again.

Chris,

Finally! Something we can agree on! Dude, can I give you a big hug?

Jimi Love,

The reason Jason, Chris and myself are anti Blcokbuster is a matter of integrtiy and fair business practice in the big world. Like Wal*mart, Blockbuster came into the scene years ago and muscled out the mom & pop video stores -- even Hollywood video follows their lead and is still behind the game when in comparison. Netflix came into the rental scene and were the first to give us the "online" rental experience, and what happens next? Good old Blockbuster feels the need to compete, and I'm sure in their evil mind they'd love to crush Netflix.

We don't support Blockbuster for for simple business ethics and common morals. If you're happy with them, then good for you, keep on renting from the evil empire. Nevertheless, please show some respect for the fact that we don't support them for personal reasons. And please stop shilling the crap out of them every time anyone mentions their name! It's old news dude, we get it, you love Blockbuster and are happy with them. However, some of us don't support them for VALID reasons, as they do hold a track record of lawsuits from common consumers. So please, give it a rest -- you're happy with them, great! Now move on!

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 23, 2008]

Tim, I'm just commenting here, like -you- and everyone else, and won't argue your preferences in liking Netflix and 'mom-and-pop' stores over Blockbuster.... excerpt for this - whenever either Netflix or a mom-and-pop can offer the value and quality of what I receive from the TOTAL ACCESS membership, then I would welcome supporting them primarily (as I do now w/Blockbuster).

You've know that competition is good for consumers, right? Well, I cannot find a better 'deal', 'membership', 'value', etc than the TOTAL ACCESS plan, and unlike you, I've never had an ethical problem with their business, so do not know any bad history as you've had with them (with the label 'evil empire'). Hey, I know people hate Microsoft, Sony, etc, but Blockbuster? Oh well, you learn something knew here often.

-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

Jimi Love,

What you're not getting is you're LOVE for Blockbuster isn't just getting old, IT IS OLD! Good God, YOU ARE WORSE THAN THE BLU-RAY SHILLS WE HAD JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO! You have made your point countless times and many of us are tired of your constant shilling of the company. Again, WE GET IT! MOVE THE F**K ON ALREADY!

Tim's soap opera yet again -

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"Again, WE GET IT! MOVE THE F**K ON ALREADY!"

Right back at ya^ sport!

Somehow though, I don't think you will respect others opinions here (like myself), and we'll be seeing you 'mouth off' yet again. Time for more of the Tim Raynor soap opera channel again? Well, OK...

You remind of this 'movie' --


-JIMI LOVE (the Voodoo Child)

Ok Love, make yourself look like an ass. No sweat off my back. Enjoy!

Easy test just for you Timmy....



[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Apr 24, 2008]

Nice!

So, who really is looking like the ass?

Timmy ass = 1
Jimi Love ass = 7

Enjoy!

Oh, quit crying Tim!

You remind us of...





And so yet another thread thoroughly hijacked by Tim Raynor Hijacking Inc...